Share this:

Like this:

When Auntie Deelee comes to town ~ it’s never a dull moment! You can read about her beach cottage tour here.

Not only is she a fantastic cook, engaging conversationalist, and all around positive person, she’s into a lot of the same things that I’m into, like healthy food, meditation, always learning about new things, and viewing life as an on-going adventure. ( I’m trying to talk her into starting her own blog!)

Auntie Deelee’s sage advice :

The practice of yoga postures takes you closer to meditation.

What is life without meditation?

In other words, if you are having trouble getting into meditation, get started with a yoga practice.

Then you will naturally move with ease into meditation, by stilling the body, the breath, and the mental chatter first.

Meditation is the key to happiness no matter where you are in your life’s journey ~ Cottage Necessities

Don’t wait! Start Now.

Now here’s the delicious Summer juice that she made one day ~ I got so excited just by the beautiful coral color that I immediately staged a photo shoot.

Here’s that recipe that I promised. I hope you like them as much as we did!

These cookies are dehydrated in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven for several hours.

It can be considered to be in the raw or living food category for maximum nutrition and life force.

I made this recipe based on the traditional recipe for ginger snaps, while using whole foods that can be dehydrated and superfoods that can all be consumed in raw form. ( So, it’s okay to eat the raw cookie dough!)

I hope that you will give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it.

there is a small amount of raw cane sugar used in this recipe which carmelizes during the heating process and adds a nice finishing glaze.

These cookies will aid in your digestion, promote healthy elimination, while leaving a sweet aftertaste of ginger.

Like this:

When you bring superfoods into your body, your energy changes, and as a result your focus of attention will shift as well…it becomes easier to live in a state of appreciation, ( or gratitude). David Wolfe

I had a dream the other night, half in and out of sleep.

I’ve heard about getting “down loads” from the Universe.

As I was seeing clips of superfoods scroll across my mind, I realized the next morning, that I was getting what I thought must have been a download.

With only a general knowledge of “superfoods”, I started to notice more of them.

I was being urged or guided to eat more of them

…and to find ways to incorporate them into my diet.

chia, chlorella, hemp seed, goji berry, flax see, sunflower seeds

I had already discovered the benefits of eating a more raw diet of living, whole foods, such as organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

I had also been weaning myself away from breads, flour, grains, and dairy, and was noticing a difference in my body like ~

More energy

less bloating and inflammation

a feeling of inner stability

a brighter outlook

mental clarity

deeper sleep patterns

my skin is getting smoother, silkier

I was also noticing that I no longer had cravings for candy or chips, or anything unnatural like foods with preservatives.

And the best thing, was that my body knew when it had had enough and when to stop.

Rather than eating a whole bag of chips, a few flax crackers would satisfy me.

Ice cream tasted good at first, but then I noticed I felt heavy afterward and it made a pain in my back flair up.

Whereas, yogurt was half the calories ad made me feel calm and nurtured.

I was gently being guided through food to choose the higher vibration foods and my body was responding and I was able to hear what my body was saying to me.

So, I started listening.

The Life Force in the food had started bringing me home.

It may have cost a little more to buy organic fresh foods, but the dividends were paying off by the way that I felt.

I realized that this is what our Creator had intended for us, and how far we had gotten away from our true nourishment, and been seduced by advertising, beautiful packaging, and false labels of promises that weren’t being met, like non-fat, sugar free, natural, and cage free.

Why had I felt depressed after eating a steak, or sensed an ammonia after taste in the store bought eggs or noticed bruises on the chicken legs? Was I picking up on their distress?

I was beginning to think so…..

The big looming question in your mind at this point is probably….

How do I eat this stuff?

Gogi berries

Where do I start?

I sincerely hope you will join me on this journey as I create new Superfood recipes to share with you.

Here are some facts about superfoods.

What is so special about a superfood?

Superfoods have over a dozen or more special properties in them like, more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, detoxifiers, and life force.

Think: Foods as medicine ` they increase your body’s immune system from the inside out. It’s like building your cells from the inside, to fight and protect you from illness and disease. *

“Get more nutrition with less eating”, superfoods are both a food and a medicine ~ David Wolfe

Superfoods have the ability to tremendously increase the vital force and energy of one’s body, and are the optimal choice for improving overall health, boosting the immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, and cleansing and alkalizing the body. ~ David Wolfe

When doing a cleanse it’s always a great idea to keep some healthy sweet alternatives at the ready so you don’t fall back on old habits.

Here are some of my favorites –

I like to have the maple flavored or honey flavored yogurts instead of ice cream.

Unsweetened applesauce

sliced apples with chunky peanut butter

You can make ahead this recipe and get creative with it. I like to store it in a mason jar because it takes up less room in the fridge.

Chia Seed Pudding in a Mason Jar

2 1/2 cups almond or Coconut milk

3/4 cups chia seeds

2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Blend in a blender or stir all ingredients into a Mason jar and refrigerate overnight. If you make it directly into the mason jar, you will want to check it to make sure it is stirred about a half hour after you first make it.

I like to layer it with one of the yogurts mentioned above and some fresh fruit, like mango, shown in the picture.

For an extra treat, enjoy it outside on the patio or by the poolside.

Most of the above satisfies the “no dairy” protocol during your cleanse or anytime. Reducing dairy in your diet can reduce inflammation in your joints.

Even though there is some sugar and dairy in the yogurt choices, you cannot beat the healthy probiotics you’ll be getting.

Please share in the comments if you’ve found some healthy alternatives for your sweet tooth.

I’d love to hear from you. Mahalo

This post does not intend to offer medical advice. Only suggestions for healthier lifestyle choices based on my own personal experiences.

Whether you are wanting to lose weight, improve your chances of fighting off illness, shift to a higher vibration, and just “feel” better, this meal plan can be followed for one week, one month, one year, or a lifetime. It may just change your life! Please join me in this beautiful, healthful way of enjoying food. You may find that cravings that you once had may start to slip away. And as always, be gentle on yourself. This in not a diet, but a way of life.

Week One

water 16 oz.

one cup coffee ( no sugar) black or full fat half and half ( why full fat? see below)

low fat half and half ngredients

Low fat has all kinds of extra ingredients. Would you rather put this in your body?

or this? Check out the ingredients. As close to pure with out being organic, which would be even better. Full fat also is more satisfying, and without all of the added chemicals and stabilizers, your chance of craving something more will be reduced.

If you haven’t already, start reading your ingredients. I was shocked to make this discovery. Weren’t you?

This would be my first attempt at making jam, something I’ve always wanted to try.

My grandma did a lot of canning when I was growing up.

She even had grand- dad build her a “dumb-waiter” that she could use to lift all of her canning down to the basement from the kitchen.

I’m not sure why the thought intimidated me though. I guess it just looked so complicated to me as a child.

It’s been three days since I had scheduled myself to do this, ( why was I procrastinating?) so today just had to be the day.

This is my Brown-Sugar Mango Jam recipe. ( I can never leave well enough alone and just make something the “normal” way, so I have added some interesting flavors to this very light and delicious jam recipe! I hope you will try it. )

Prepare jars and lids by immersing in water to boil.+++++++++++++++===================

To check your jam for done-ness:

Put a plate in the freezer for 5 minutes.

Drop a bit of jam onto the cold plate ( this is called a “strike”) and put back in the freezer for 2 minutes.

If its thick and wrinkly, when you take it out, it’s ready to decant into the jars.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pour the hot jam mixture into hot jars leaving 1/4″ of space on top. Place seal and lid ring screwed on loosely.

Put filled jars back into hot water making sure they are covered in water.

Boil for 10 minutes.

Take jars out of water to cool and allow seal to “pop” in place.

Congratulate yourself for a job well done!

Cottage Mavens,

There’s something soulful about taking the time to make your own jam. Hard to describe, but I felt something inside me shift, as I went through this process of preparation, cooking, and canning this beautiful fruit. Perhaps, I was connecting to Grandma’s spirit, or a long ago memory. All I know is that doing some of these things, that could be considered a “Cottage Necessity” is all about getting in touch with a part of ourselves that we don’t see every day. I hope you will try it and let me know how you did.

*************************************************************

Bonus Flax seed cracker recipe ( by the way, the combination of the jam and cracker are amazing! Salty, Sweet, and Spicy )

Flax Seed Crackers – Preheat oven to 200 degrees. If you have a convection oven, use that setting.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup filtered water

1 cup of flax seeds

3 tablespoons chia seeds

2 tablespoons of ground Psyllium powder ( Hawaiian Power Rinse)

Soak all of the above for at least one hour. Can be left overnight.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Add 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons of sunflower seeds

3 tablespoons of raw hemp seeds

1 1/2 teaspoons celtic sea salt

Mixing all ingredients together with oiled hands. I use olive oil.

Line a cookie sheet or pan with parchment paper.

Spread mixture into pan, pressing down to flatten to a thin layer.

Score lightly with a knife before putting into oven. I like to make squares

Put in oven for one hour, then flip the whole thing over and cook for one more hour.

I left mine in the oven overnight, because I fell asleep, and it was fine.

If any of your crackers are not crispy when you break them apart, you can put them back into the oven to crisp them up more after breaking them up.

These are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. A nice way to add some extra fiber into your diet while doing a cleanse and having something healthy to replace chips.

Occasionally I find a seed that has started to sprout, and want to become a tree. So, I like to try and oblige it and help it succeed.

Mango seed with root started

This mango seed has shown some signs of life. See the root sticking out?

The easiest way, that I’ve found to get the tree started, is to wrap the seed in a wet paper towel, and put it into a baggy so it can germinate.

Once it has had some time to let it’s roots get stronger, I plant it into a pot, and keep it watered until it reached at least a foot tall. At that time, it can be put into a larger pot, or planted into the ground. Just remember to keep it watered.

I have also had a lot of success starting avocado seed this way. The old toothpick in a jar method has never really worked for me.

How wonderful to be able to support life in this way, plant a tree, and reap a beautiful harvest one day. It really makes you feel as though you are a part of God’s grand plan.

Where do I start?

If you’ve been using your body like a dumping ground, putting a lot of the wrong foods into it, like I was, then it may take some time.

I will not tell you to stop doing things, but will guide you to start doing things that honor and respect your body temple.

If you follow the guidelines, you will find that your desire for certain food and drink will disappear of their own accord.

This is not a strict diet, or a regimented plan of action, but if you use your intuition, move at your own pace, and put forth the effort you will see many profound changes start to happen.

You will regain hope that it is possible to live in a healthy body at any age.

I will take you through seven days to get you started.

Please join me on this journey.

Even though I have only laid out seven days for you, I think you’ll find that this is much easier than it may look at the moment, and will bring much joy to your heart if you choose to continue for a lifetime.

photo from Kiki K planner

Doing a full-body detox and cleanse takes a bit of planning.

What I offer here for you is the step-by-step plan that was laid out for me when I first arrived in Hawaii, by my guides, or “the higher ups” as I like to call them. You can read about that here.

I will be doing this with you and recommend doing one of these every six months for the rest of your life for full-body maintenance.

With all of the advertising influences and other daily distractions, it can be easy to “fall back” to doing things the old way.

As you progress, all of your senses will be heightened and you will experience more joy bubbling up from within .

You will feel lighter and your inner light will shine brighter and you will begin to experience the world from a whole new perspective.

Do a mental “scan” of your body. Get into a quiet place, lying or sitting. Close your eyes and “scan” your body, getting in touch with any aches or pains. If you are experiencing any maladies in certain areas, send white healing light to that area and ask your body what it needs.

Depression and fatigue are your body’s way of letting you know it’s running on overload – so are aches and pains.

Write down any thoughts or ideas that come to the surface of your mind. This is how your body communicates with you. “Flax seed crackers” came up for me, so I’m working on a recipe that I will be sharing with you.

2. Prepare your shopping list.

Fresh organic fruits and vegetables of your choice

Lean meats, I only use chicken and occasionally wild caught salmon.

Psyllium fiber – you can “dry” blend it for a finer powder. It’s gentler on the body. I mix it in my smoothies.

Green powder – for smoothies.

Plain Greek yogurt – full fat ( non-fat dairy usually has added chemicals and sugar) full fats are more satisfying and will reduce hunger cravings.

3. Set up a journal to track yourself. Now’s a good time to set your intention. Write out your affirmations. ( I used some extra pages in my planner to set it up. If you have a planner, this is what I recommend. )

4. Weigh in and take your measurements.

5. Before you begin, get in touch with your body.

Get a full body massage.

Go swimming – my fave! Take a slow walk in Nature. Walk barefoot on some grass or dirt, and soak in some sunlight. Do some stretches out doors if possible.

Tune into your beautiful body and thank it for knowing how to take care of you.

page from kikki k planner

6. Now’s a good time to assess your beauty routine.

Look for body products and shampoos that don’t have a lot of cancer causing chemicals in them. What you put “on” your body goes into your blood stream.

I recommend

Dr. Bronner’s castile soap

Shikai hair products

Virgin coconut oil for moisturizer

Boom Cosmetics for the face and body

Get a natural bristle brush for a dry brush massage.

Stop the use of synthetic perfumes.

Now’s a good time to try some essential oils –

You can make our own blends by adding a few drops to rubbing alcohol or vodka.

I also love the orange blossom and rose petal waters from the Mediterranean market. They are distillations of the blossoms and make a nice base to your essential oils. ( never use an essential oil directly on the body as it could cause a reaction. )

7. Consider doing your laundry with Borax and Arm and Hammer washing soda – you can add some castile soap to this for sudsing action ( grate it first)

8. Eliminate all polyester clothing and bedding from your life.

Polyester has been found through energy testing to lower the auric field.

10. Reduce your use of prescription drugs by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Your body is a natural healer – but too much toxicity in the body prevents it from doing it’s work.

11. On the second or third day after starting a detox – go in for a colon hydro therapy session or give yourself a few enemas to help your elimination processes evacuate the toxins that your body will be releasing.

If you have had a lifestyle of fast foods, a lot of meat, or processed foods, it would be a good idea to set up a series of regular visits to a colon hydro-therapist.

There could be a build up of plaque along your intestinal walls that’s preventing proper absorption of nutrients and keeping toxins from poor eating habits and prescription drugs in your system.

You will also experience more youthful vitality by keeping your colon clean.

It’s so easy to make your own – visit Cultured Food Life to learn more about this.

13. Find ways to get more exercise and move that body.

Play some music and dance like nobody’s watching

Put on your favorite tunes and walk

I like Leslie Sansone’s walking videos when it’s too hot or cold to go outside.

I always park at the farthest spot when shopping and running errands

Whether you do better in group exercise or on your own, I find yoga to be one of the best and most gentle of ways to really get in touch with my body.

There are classes you can sign up for online for pennies a day. Daily Om, and anytime yoga for example.

And you just may find it easier to incorporate a meditation practice into your lifestyle which is essential to living your best life.

Always, always have music that uplifts you, and helps your spirit soar.

No more criticizing your body wishing you had this or that.

It’s time to love your body, be thankful for the miracle that it is, hold your head high, keep your posture straight, shoulders back ( you can align your posture by standing against a wall), stepping out with grace and ease. Step into your light body.

Make a vision board. Visualize yourself in your perfect body. Notice how it feels! Carry that feeling with you the entire day!.

Make your vision board on one of your planner pages.

Make your vision board on one of your planner pages. Keep it simple.

You are a gift to the Universe, and by showing up as your best self every day, you will see what a gift you are to yourself.

Go at your own pace, Be gentle on yourself.

Drink 6 – 8 glasses of pure water each day.

Namaste ( the goddess in me bows to the goddess in you)

Sources of inspiration – check them out!

Daily Om

Donna Schwenk – Cultured food life\Yoga anytime

Rosemary Gladstar – homemade creams

Donna Eden – Energy Body exercises

Leslie Sansone – Walk away the pounds

The above information does not attempt to offer any medical advise. All of the opinions expressed are my own from my own personal experiences. I am not working with any affiliate programs for any one mentioned.

Thank you for visiting today. Please sign up so you don’t miss a post.

By practicing the 27 days of Feng Shui challenge here, and 30 days of Gratitude here at the beginning of the year, I think of the story about Hansel and Gretel leaving bread crumbs along their trail in the forest so they could find their way home upon returning.

The Forest

We’ve made the clearing by eliminating all of those things that no longer spark joy.

Hansel and Gretel were left in the forest because their parents couldn’t afford to feed them. They expected them to become lost.

The forest is your home. By clearing your clutter you will see your way more clearly.

The bread crumbs

We’ve laid a path of gratitude and love, taking time to appreciate the people, circumstances, and blessing that are present in our lives.

Hansel and Gretel dropped bread crumbs along the path, thinking this would lead them back home. Little did they know, that the critters in the forest were hungry and would eat all of the bread crumbs. (The bread crumbs symbolize insincere prayers that are not heart felt. )

The ginger bread house

There may be distractions along the way. ( When Hansel and Gretel saw the house made of ginger bread, their hunger got the best of them, and all they could think of was devouring that house!)

Habits, moods, circumstances can draw us in and cause us to lose our focus.

The Witch

We’ve faced head-on some of the less than pleasant things in our lives and hopefully pushed pass them.

Or maybe they found a way to move on.

It seems that everyone is hungry in this story, even the witch! She was planning to eat the children for dinner!

Perhaps, their hunger was a Spiritual Hunger, that could only be satisfied by a Connection to Spirit. ( Everything else can wait, but your search for God cannot wait. Once the connection to your God Source is established, all of your needs are satisfied. )

The Oven

You may have escaped from “the oven” of uncertainty and witnessed a miracle, or been given more clarity. ( The oven is the Fire of Spirit directing your life and burning up the dross of a matter based existence. )

After the children pushed the witch into the oven, they were free.

Now, it’s time to turn and face the path home and hope the birds haven’t made a meal of your bread crumbs.

Practicing gratitude should be an everyday occurrence by now.

Gratitude promotes prosperity and healing in our lives.

Even if the birds have devoured some of your carefully laid bread crumbs, you can look for other signs to find your way home.

The signs that the Universe brings are sometimes subtle and easy to overlook, to miss all together, or to discount their validity.

And you may not get reminders if you ignore them.

Have you ever regretted not doing something when the signs were all around you?

I have.

What kinds of signs can you expect?

You could receive a hunch or an idea.

You might see something that reminds you of someone.

Nature often sends signs.

You could get a strong feeling that every thing’s going to be okay. That could be an Angel whispering in your ear.

You could feel a strong urge to take an action.

You could see a message on a license plate while driving.

Whatever it is, take notice, jot it down in a journal or a notebook, or take action.

Start collecting those bread crumbs or signs that you see along your path.

This is how the Universe guides us.

When we are doing “inner work” there’s a time for sewing the seeds and reaping the harvest.

It takes time.

Sometimes years.

It’s important to do the work of decluttering, training our minds to expect the best, pushing through adversity, and practicing patience through trust and faith.

Watch for the signs and be ready to act when an opportunity presents itself.